knew_anyway | Tenth Summoning || Video || Sometimes I hate the line I walk

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Tenth Summoning || Video || Sometimes I hate the line I walk

[The feed starts with Nathaniel sitting at his desk, contemplatively glancing toward a few papers- notes- as he considers his words carefully, before looking up, directly into the screen and beginning to speak.]

Shortly before his departure from Adstringendum, Colonel Roy Mustang resigned from his position of Ombudsman. As this was in the height of our last event, I decided to postpone the reelection until after the panic died down a little. Having kept up with the work, I can assure any potential applicants that the workload will not be overwhelming, and I would be pleased to assist in any way I can.

It should be volunteer basis only, and the next Ombudsperson should be elected from the pool of potential volunteers. I will warn everyone who applies- it is a demanding position. However, you will get the satisfaction of helping the community decisions, as well as the opportunity to listen to many different viewpoints. I would highly encourage anyone with an interest in peace and organization to apply. You may respond to this post with any signs of interest.

[A deep breath, and Nathaniel steeples his fingers.]

Furthermore, there are a few more things regarding this 'Police Force' that I would like to address. Firstly is the name itself- I believe that it detracts from our overall goal and gives a bad impression. We are not intent on policing the people at this time, we are only concerned with protecting them. While we do intend to lock up dangerous civilians, it is only out of concern for others; and in a case where the people are altered by an event, only for the duration of the event.

We are not here to control your lives; we are here to help you live them safely. For this reason, I suggest we change the name of our organization to the 'Protection Squad'. Any further suggestions will be welcome.

[Nathaniel pauses one final time, considering his next words very carefully.]

...there have been... concerns brought to me about my level of involvement in this Protection Squad. Some believe that my assuming Jean Louis' secretary position, as well as Cabal's research division and temporarily doing the Ombudsperson's tasks, that I have been attempting to... take everything over. [He swallows hard, but forces himself to keep eye contact with the camera.] I assure you all that this is not the case. My only concerns have been with upholding the integrity of our Protection Squad- keeping it organized, keeping it running smoothly. While I... realize that my work-oriented nature does not attain me much social approval, I would like to reiterate that I will answer any and all questions and concerns.

Additionally, I would like to remind everyone that positions in the protection squad are open and on a volunteer basis- I do the amount of work that I do for lack of assistants or other volunteers. Our research positions are desperately in need of people, as well as our communications, planning, and the patrols themselves.

[Nathaniel takes another deep breath.]

Thank you.

[And the feed is cut.]

[Text file || Updated as volunteers apply]
Please consider the following volunteers for the role of Ombudsperson: Alphonse Elric Hitsugaya Toushirou

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

You're looking at him.

[A wry smile.]

Johannes Cabal was assisting me, but with his subsequent return...

There is no one else?

[A little surprising, but not entirely so. Most of the very intelligent people here are also extremely secretive.]

Kurotsuchi Mayuri expressed interest and was rejected.

[He wouldn't be telling you this if it wasn't on private okay :| ]

And someone else did as well- miss Makise. But she never finalized plans with me.

[Castiel might be faintly amused by this.]

Wise.

I have not met anyone named Makise.

[And a pause, as he considers something. He believes, for the most part, Nat's intentions with this; much more than Jean Louis' anyway. However there is something that has been casting doubt the entire time, and he's at least sure enough Nat's not a psychopath not to fear speaking to him about it.]

There is something else I wanted to address with you.

She has been scarce, to be sure.

[A little nod. He's pleased to deal with any concerns, really.]

Of course. Name it.

[He's quiet a moment.]

It was during the initial formulation of the force, in regards to law proposals. There were particular suggestions made that were troublesome and prompted a great deal of initial distrust that has yet to fade.

[Nathaniel pauses- he's a little surprised, a little startled that it came up. But he doesn't say anything, not at once. He takes time to think his response over, taking a few deep breaths and nodding.]

...when I first arrived into Adstringendum, [he starts, in a somewhat distant voice,] I came at the very peak of a revolution to my own government- the one I had served in. Our laws were strict and we considered ourselves to be utterly in control. The rebellion- the opposition- attempted to take that power away.

[A big breath.]

I always knew that our system was flawed, but it wasn't until- perhaps the hour of my departure from there and my arrival to here, that I realized the true extent of our cruelty. I arrived somewhat... at war with myself over what I really believed in.

[A pause. Nathaniel is actually- telling the whole truth here. It's important.]

As I recall, that conversation was between myself and Jean Louis. Please try to understand the position I had been put in at that time. I was very new. In order to seem suitable to him, I could not waver. In order to come across as sincere and meeting with his approval, I had to appeal to his sense of power.

[He shakes his head slowly.]

I'm not proud of what I said- it was both a clumsy attempt to gain Jean Louis' trust and a desperation to hold onto the beliefs that I had served under for my entire life. And I cannot promise you that I have fully changed- but I will say that I am trying. To listen to people more, to... take others into consideration. And I can say that, should the occasion arise that I begin attempting to enforce those laws, there are people here who have the means to destroy me.

[Castiel is silent, listening and watching closely, using everything he's learned over his past few years to determine how truthful Nat's being. It helps, that Castiel understands that exact position of being a part of something that turned out to be something else, and the conflict that happens when one is forced to choose between what they've always known, and what they know is right.

It's almost a surprise to Castiel himself, but he believes this, and he believes the justification. Just some of his concern about this project is relieved, but much of the suspicion about Nat himself is.]

If you no longer have any desire to enact them, or anything similar, then it is not an issue.

[He's again quiet a moment, before speaking once more.]

Elements of them echoed closely the structure that used to be in place in my world.

[It's honest, and why he'd been so spooked initially.]

[He watches Castiel as he speaks, a flicker of sympathy crossing his expression. Nathaniel may not know what it really meant to be oppressed- as one of the magicians, he was the one that had done the oppressing- but he definitely knew what it felt like to be uneasy with the task at hand.]

...I didn't mean to alarm you. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

[At that he nods slightly, and gives his version of a shrug; a small gesture of one shoulder.]

Be aware that Raphael was instrumental with the establishment being as it was. After my return to Heaven I challenged her over her form of leadership and her planned course of action, and we are at civil war in our world.

[Or he is. From when Raphael is from, it's over, with Castiel as the victor but at massive cost.]

Her involvement in this project is a great risk to all involved.

Her involvement in this project is being closely monitored. Thusfar, she has given me no reason to confront her, although I can definitely see your concern.

[He thinks for a moment.]

We have means to subdue her, should it get that far.

[He nods just slightly; he knows that very little can be done right now. At the last comment though, he tilts his head slightly. Rei had surely told him what she could do.

However, how much she'd said, and how accurately, is something else entirely. As is whether Nat will tell him, so he asks.]

What means?

[He frowns for a moment, before speaking.]

I have three spirits at my disposal, and many, many people who have threatened me, should I attempt a militaristic takeover. Rei believes that if Raphael turns, then she will act alone to subdue her; this is not the case. Not only will I also intervene to the best of my ability, but everyone who has raised a concern with the police force being too strict will have reason to assist us.

[He isn't extremely impressed by this plan.]

Rei does have the means, but only temporarily. I know nothing of how powerful your spirits may be, but it is unlikely they will be of much use to you.

As for the others here that might join you, I know of none that are a true match for Raphael. There is only one being in the city that I'm certain outmatches her.

[A thoughtful pause.]

Well, we wouldn't be fighting her one on one. And if you're speaking of Satan, then I can't say I'm interested in pursuing that path.

Nobody will follow Raphael if she tries to take over. She should know that.

If necessary he may be convinced to assist.

[Maybe. Depending on exactly what was going on, if he weren't being a dick at the moment.]

Yes, and that is likely why she hasn't made an attempt yet.

I don't see how she would garner any followers, even in the future. Her efforts would be futile.

She doesn't need willing followers. She has little opposition if she decides to act in any way, and she is sufficiently powerful to control others through fear if not allegiance.

It is something that warrants concern and planning for.

[He frowns.]

I have a plan, but you wouldn't approve.

[Then it's probably stupid. 8|]

Why not?

Who are the only beings capable of controlling- anyone here, not just the angels?

[Quietly, watching his reaction.]

The Animus.

[And he's just staring back evenly at the moment, until Nat confirms it. Then he'll say what he thinks.]

[He nods once.]

We don't have much of a choice.

Someone here attempted to use the Animus for their own, some months ago. It turned out poorly for them.

[And Castiel himself knows full well the dangers of dealing with spirits and souls, particularly ones of this level of power.]

Does Rei know about this?

I'm not going to try to use them. [He frowns, straightening his cuff.] I believe we can enter a... mutually beneficial relationship.

Miss Rei has expressed an interest in helping the Animus. I believe I have the power to do so.

Tenth Summoning || Video || Sometimes I hate the line I walk

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